IAF Chief Bhadauria Leaves For Five Day France Visit Marking the continuity of growing bilateral defence cooperation with the French Air and Space Force, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) left for France today an official visit. The visit of CAS from 19-23 Apr will enhance potential avenues for strengthening the level of interaction between the two Air Forces. CAS will hold meetings and discussions with the senior military leadership of France and visit operational facilities and airbases. The visit comes after Gen Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff, French Air, and Space Force (FASF) visited India in February 2020.
The two Air Forces have seen significant operational interaction in the recent past. IAF and FASF engage in the bilateral air exercise series ‘Garuda’, as well as hop exercises, the last being Ex Desert Knight 21 held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in January 2021. IAF and FASF also participated in Ex Desert Flag hosted by UAE Air Force along with other friendly countries in March 2021. The visit of CAS will be a significant step in further enhancing mutual cooperation.
INDIA AND FRANCE RELATIONS
India and France have traditionally close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership which is emblematic of their convergence of views on a range of international issues apart from a close and growing bilateral relationship.
